It shall be unlawful for any person to make or cause to be made any excavation in, upon or under the surface and within the property sidelines of any public street, avenue, alley, court, place, highway or public way in this city or to dig in, plow up, tear up, fill, cover, disturb or change any portion of the same or to cause or permit to be constructed, put upon, maintained or left thereon any obstruction or impediment to travel or to pile or place thereon any material without first obtaining a written permit therefor. (1954 Code §19.5)